Effects of Nose Strakes On Transport Aircraft

A low-speed wind tunnel investigation was conducted in the Langley 12-Foot Tunnel on a typical commercial transport configuration to determine the effect of adding nose strakes on the aerodynamic characteristics of the model. The fuselage and wings of the model were scaled versions of the McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 aircraft. A generic tail assembly was employed that was different from that of the DC-9. Three different strake configurations were tested at several inclination angles. One strake configuration was identical to that employed on the DC-9 aircraft. The model was tested through a range of angles of attack and sideslip angles. Tests were made both with and without strakes and also with the vertical tail removed.